Special to the Kansas City Times, Kearney, Missouri , November 16 -- Jesse Richard Cole, well known citizen of this place and one of the oldest settlers in Clay County, committed suicide this morning by shooting himself through the heart. He had been in ill health for some time, and was a sufferer from melancholy. Mr. Cole was a maternal uncle of Frank and Jesse James, who were raised in this neighborhood.

He went to his death would stoical indifference, first making all preparations as though about to lie down to sleep. Never did his lawless nephews face death with greater coolness than this old man of 68 years when he started to take his own life. Mr. Cole had been disposed for some time, although the illness was not considered serious. This morning he retired to the back yard, taking his revolver, .38-caliber with him. the spot selected by him for that including act in life's a drama was in the rear of the yard. He first removed his coat and vest and carefully folded them up. Then he took his watch and placed it beside them. Next procuring a sack, he rolled it up so that it would serve as a pillow. By this time all seemed in readiness for the tragedy. Bearing his press the old man pulled the muscle of the revolver to his heart and pulled the trigger. death was instantaneous. Coroner Sevier of liberty was summoned and decided that it would be unnecessary to hold an inquest. The funeral will probably take place tomorrow.

Jesse Cole was born in Scott County, Kentucky. He was the brother of Mrs. Zerelda Samuels, the famous mother of the James Boy's. Jesse James probably the most daring and unscrupulous bandit the New World has known, was his favorite nephew and namesake. Cole Younger, who languages in the Minnesota State prison for crimes committed with the James gang bears the family name. Mr. Cole came to Missouri in the late 30's and was regarded as a pioneer citizen of Western Missouri. He was at one time engaged in the Mercantile business here, and at the time of his death owned a good farm in this country and other property. He leads a large family of children. Of late years, Mr. Cole had been a great sufferer from melancholy. Two years ago he made an attempt at suicide but was prevented. It is suppose that sickness deranged his mind, although his method of suicide indicates that he was tired of life and, like a Spartan decided to end it. Kansas City Times, Sunday, November 17, 1895, page 63